| Sight-seeing Highlights:
Today, Ajmer is a popular pilgrimage hub for Hindus and Muslims alike. The Dargah Shareef, tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, has millions of devotees flocking here every year, especially during the holy urs. The Dargah is situated at the foot of the Taragarh hill. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Akbari Masjid and the domed tomb of the saint. Later other buildings were added around two courtyards, at the entrance of which is a massive gate donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Taragarh, the fort of Ajmer and seat of the Chauhan rulers, is believed to be the first hill fort of Asia. Another interesting attraction is the Adhai-din-ka-jhonpra, originally a Jain temple constructed in 1153, which was converted into a mosque by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1193. The erstwhile residence of Prince Salim, has now been converted into the city museum also known as Magazine. It is a storehouse of Mughal and Rajput armour and weaponry.
About 14 km away from Ajmer is the famous tourism destination Pushkar, a small town named after the Pushkar Lake, legendary for the existence of the 14th century Hindu temple of Brahma, the Creator of all creation. Pushkar is also famous for its annual camel fair.
Activities:
Ajmer does not boast of any hi-fi dining outlets, but its uniqueness lies in its mid-range restaurants and cafes. During the time of Pushkar fair or during Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the air is abuzz with Sufi music, qawwalis and poetry reading sessions and folk dance and music shows.
Tourism Info:
Tourist Reception Centre
Hotel Khadim (RTDC)
Savitri College Road
Ajmer
Tel: 0145 - 2627490, 2627536
Originally called Ajaimeur or the invincible hill, founded by Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century, Ajmer was a centre of Chauhan power till 1193 A.D. Even during the Muslim conquests, Ajmer did not loose its charm and importance. It was only when Prithvi Raj Chauhan lost to Muhammed Gohri that Ajmer passed on to multiple hands of feudal lords, Marwar rulers and finally the Mughals. Eventually, Ajmer was conquered by the Marathas, who subsequently lost it to the British and it became one of the only parts of Rajasthan controlled directly by the East Indian Co. |
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